Deputies: Mom on meth left daughter, 3, alone in forest

Heather Escandon, 27, arrested

Heather Escandon was arrested on charges of child abuse and being under the influence of a controlled substance after he daughter was found alone in a car in a remote area of the Sierra National Forest, deputies said.

Escandon was uncooperative with deputies, but did tell officers that her car became stuck in the area on Sunday and she left on foot sometime Tuesday, leaving the girl overnight in the vehicle, authorities said.

Deputies determined Escandon was under the influence of methamphetamine and took her into custody, authorities said.

She is currently being held at the Mariposa County Adult Detention Facility on charges of felony child abuse.

The girl was taken to a hospital for evaluation before being released to her father.